Inhibitions in Prayer

James, the brother of Jesus, writes that one of the reasons, among several, that we do not have is because we do not ask.

And why don’t we ask?

Well, we’ve got this gnawing feeling – one we seldom express – that asking won’t do any good. We seem to be prone to two basic doubts that are hard to shake.  “Can He…?” “Will He…?”

“Can God fix this mess? Should I ask… and risk disappointment?”

We fall into habits of wrong thinking about God. We feel it quite natural to limit Him to our limitations and expect of Him what we commonly experience from one another. A father came to Jesus out of a desperate need for his demon-oppressed son. “If you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.” Jesus immediately challenged the wrong thinking that bound this man.  “’If you can’?” he asked. “Everything is possible for him who believes.” The man saw that his mind and heart were failing him and cried for help, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!”  Jesus helped. He healed his son. God can. (Mark 9:2-26)

“But will He? Will God answer… or do I risk rejection, once again?” 

A leper, the loneliest and most rejected member of his society, pleaded with Jesus out of the desperate emptiness of his self-worth, “If you are willing, you can make me clean.” Filled with compassion, Jesus touched the man. “I am willing,” he said. “Be clean!” God will. (Mark 1:40-42)

Where have you buried the roots of your inhibitions in prayer? Do you assume Him unable, or do you see yourself as unworthy? Do you limit God’s power, or His love?

He can.  He will.